The horrible news of Terrell Suggs (the defending Defensive Player of the Year) tearing his achilles, and being lost for the 2012 season is circulating throughout Baltimore.
I feel bad for Suggs losing a year in the prime of his career. If there is a silver-lining for him, he can use this year to get into the best shape of his life. Perhaps that additional rest and rehab will help him going forward.
That said, Suggs now has to become an afterthought to everyone for this coming year. The Ravens (and their fans) can not spend every Sunday this Fall, bemoaning the fact he is gone. I’m confident the leadership at the Castle will make sure that everyone is on the same page, and recognizes that the goals for the team have not changed. Win the AFC North, advance to the Playoffs for the 5th consecutive season, win the second Super Bowl in franchise history.
Are those goals now going to be harder to obtain? Without a doubt. They can all still be accomplished though.There just has to be understanding that you don’t replace that talent individually. It will require a collective effort.
McPhee was superb as a Rookie with his situational pass-rushing. He will need to be able to get to the QB as an every-down starter.
Like McPhee, Kruger was very strong as a situational pass-rusher. With the selection of Upshaw, the Ravens were going to be in position to start either Kruger or Upshaw to replace Johnson. With Suggs gone, both are now likely to start. The Ravens drafted Upshaw to make plays. He will now have to help contribute from Day 1.
It would be great if Kindle got to the point this year where he could provide some of what McPhee, and Kruger provided last year. In late February, Ozzie Newsome was quoted as saying, “I think this offseason is going to be very beneficial for Serg. I think we have a very good handle on what his strengths and weaknesses are and it’s going to be interesting to see how we can integrate him into the defense.”
With Ngata, and Cody up-front; the run defense should remain the hallmark of the defense. With Webb, and Smith; the Ravens have the chance to be starting two shut-down corners. Obviously they will be tested more if the Front 7 is not able to get to the opposing QB’s. Conversely though, they can give the Front 7 help with their ability to provide isolated man coverage.
With the defense as a whole, the bottom-line is that they still figure to be among the best, but it will be an adjustment. You were already going to another Defensive Coordinator (Dean Pees), albeit one that has been with the organization, and previously a Coordinator in the league. Those adjustments will take place, and the defense will still perform. You just can’t count on them to be limiting opponents to 16.6 points per game.
This is a reminder to address Special Teams as best as possible. The margin for error with the Ravens is now lower. Special Teams needs to give consistent positive production. We are talking all facets of the game here. Cundiff’s Kickoffs, and the Ravens Kickoff coverage. Cundiff’s FG kicking over 30 yards (18 for 27 will not cut it). Koch’s Punting, and the Punt coverage. Also, the Ravens own return game. Last year, the Baltimore Defense was 2nd in the league with their 3rd down conversion percentage. If that goes up, and the Defense does not provide the same field position; Baltimore will need more from their returners.
More than anyone stepping-up from the defensive side, it is the Ravens offense which has to accept the challenge of now being that much better. Baltimore scored 23.6 ppg last year, which was good for 12th in the league. I don’t think the Ravens have to score any more points than that, but they have to replicate that production, and probably be more efficient on their own. Clearly the offense was often the benefactor of the defense providing excellent field position, and giving the offense plenty of possessions. This year, the Ravens offense may be asked to change field position on their own more often. They may also be asked to sustain longer drives. Baltimore was 11th in time of possession last year (30:35). Finding a way to move that average closer to 32 minutes (Houston led the league at 32:40), is a direct way the Ravens offense can alleviate some of this additional burden from the defense.
This is a tough blow for Suggs, and the Ravens; but they can get past this collectively, and still hoist the Lombardi Trophy next February.
EDIT: Suggs has told Aaron Wilson of the Carrol County Times / Scout.com, that he believes he will be able to play in late November / December of this year. If that happens, that would be great. Nobody should count on that though, and the Ravens should operate as if he will not return this year.
Owner
Chris Stoner founded Baltimore Sports and Life in 2009. He has appeared as a radio guest with 1090 WBAL, 105.7 The Fan, CBS 1300, Q1370, WOYK 1350, WKAV 1400, and WNST 1570. He has also been interviewed by The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Business Journal, and PressBox (TV). As Owner, his responsibilities include serving as the Managing Editor, Publicist, & Sales Director.